Eagle BELVOIR
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September 17, 2015
Network team keeps PM SPIE communicating By Deb Dawson PEO Soldier Public Affairs When a medical emergency led to a week-long closure of the Project Manager Soldier Protection and Individual Equipment’s building 325 last month, the Fort Belvoir communications team played a key role in ensuring PM SPIE’s mission was uninterrupted. The closure was a result of a PM SPIE employee contracting an infectious disease that made it necessary to ensure the building, itself, was not contaminated. The building was closed immediately to allow health personnel to examine the building; and its plumbing, heating and air conditioning systems to confirm the employee did not contract the disease at the site. The building evacuation threatened to disrupt PM SPIE activities, which includes developing body armor; helmets; parachutes; uniforms and other personal equipment that Soldiers carry or wear. Disruption was minimized, thanks to coordination between PM SPIE’s Operations and PEO Soldier Operations; and key assistance from the Network Enterprise Center at Fort Belvoir. The 300 area compound, Regional Network Enterprise Center for the National Capital Region communications team, led by Cory Fox, quickly set up telephone communications for all of Building 325’s employees to ensure seamless communication in support of PM SPIE’s mission. “This was the first time the NEC team has ever encountered a situation of this nature,” Fox said. “However, we understood the importance of PM SPIE’s mission. We knew ensuring safety and saving the lives of Soldiers
Combined Federal Campaign
The annual Combined Federal Campaign has begun. Info on ways to give is available from www.cfcnca.org.
Spirit of America
The Army’s Spirit of America show returns to the area, with final shows of the year in Fairfax Friday and Saturday. Free, individual and group tickets are available from www.spiritofamerica.mdw.army.mil.
Funded Legal Education Program open
Courtesy photo
From left, James Varady; Cory Fox, ITA Team lead; Jim Squires and Veronica Mederos. The group was part of a team that provided communications continuity during a recent medical emergency, which caused a building closure at Project Manager Soldier Protection and Individual Equipment. A key decision allowed the team to was the PM’s number one priority.” Fox explained, usually problems quickly solve potential communicaof this caliber are gas leaks or things tions problems without having to subsimilar, but not a possible infection mit work orders. Army policy allows that impact operations for a week. for work orders completion in up to five “Our training enabled us to prioritize days. In the 300 compound, they typiand provide uncompromising assis- cally take two days or less. The NEC tance for the entire compound,” Fox team response to the situation made it clear that their job is to provide excelsaid. “I can’t compliment the network lent service and to support the militeam enough for their rapid response tary’s overall mission. “The good news was that, with the in ensuring non-interruption of PM SPIE’s communication ability, due to help of the ITA Team, PM SPIE was this unexpected development,” said able to continue its mission. And, the Dave Super, deputy program man- even better news is that the employee ager. “They were professional and ex- has made a complete recovery,” Super said. tremely responsive.”
Retired Service members invited to retiree appreciation day By Amanda Stewart Staff writer
Up Front
participation in that war. The day also includes a health and wellness fair where retirees can get their flu shots and get their blood-pressure checked. Attendees can also get their ID cards renewed, with proper paperwork; turn in old, expired prescription drugs and see a variety of exhibits. A bus will take interested people to Fort Belvoir’s Dining Facility, the Eagle’s Nest, where lunch is available for $5.55. The group will then go to the Exchange, where there will be cake and discounts for retirees. Attendees will also get to visit the EST 200 simulated firing range. The event is a good chance for retirees to get updates on programs and services that apply to them, Lott said. “It’s a time to find out about any changes that may be going on with their retiree benefits,” Lott said. It’s also a chance for retirees to connect with one another, she said.
Installation Retiree Appreciation Day Friday, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Barden Education Center, Bldg. 1017; and Eagle’s Nest Dining Facility FMI: 703-806-4551
Retired Service members, or those about to retire, are invited to come and learn about the services available to them at Belvoir and in the National Capital Region at Fort Belvoir garrison’s annual Installation Retiree Appreciation Day, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Friday at Barden Education Center, Bldg. 1017. “This is an annual event that we give to deliver quality service and honor our retired Service members and their families,” said Gwendolyn Lott, retirement services officer. Dr. Rick Repeta, director for Health Care Operations, Fort Belvoir Community Hospital, is the guest speaker at the event, which will also include briefs by representatives from TRICARE, Delta Dental and Federal Long-term Care Insurance. The Commemorative Partner Program will honor Vietnam Veterans who attend retiree appreciation day, in recognition of the 50th anniversary on the U.S.
The Office of The Judge Advocate General is accepting applications for the Army’s Funded Legal Education Program. Under this program, the Army projects sending up to 25 active-duty, commissioned officers to law school at government expense. Selected officers will attend law school beginning in fall 2016 and remain on active duty while attending law school. Interested officers should review Army MILPER Message 15-013 and Chapter 14, AR 27-1, The Judge Advocate General’s Funded Legal Education Program, to determine their eligibility. The program is open to commissioned officers from 2nd lieutenant through captain. Applicants must have at least two, but not more than six, years of total active federal service at the time legal training begins. Eligible officers interested in applying should immediately register for the earliest offering of the Law School Admission Test. Applicants must send their request through command channels, including the officer’s branch manager at AHRC, send the original application to the Office of The Judge Advocate General, ATTN: DAJA-PT (Ms. Yvonne Caron-Rm 28517), 2200 Army Pentagon, Washington, DC 20310, to be received by Nov. 1. Submission of the application well in advance of the deadline is advised. Interested officers should contact their local Office of the Staff Judge Advocate for further information.
Oktoberfest Warm-up
Sept. 25, 4-9 p.m. at the Fort Belvoir Golf Club, Bldg. 2920. Gear up for a great Oktober by joining us on the patio to enjoy German music, drink and German food specials. The Golf Club’s number is 703806-5878.